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VIDEO: Wenstrup Fights to Get More Doctors in Rural America

Washington, June 27, 2019 | Ann Tumolo (202-225-3164)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During committee debate over additional responses to combat the opioid crisis, Rep. Brad Wenstrup forcefully argued against big city Democrats’ claim that rural hospitals lack the ability to house successful residency programs. Wenstrup advocated to amend legislation that would add additional residency programs to train more doctors to ensure that those doctors are trained in rural and other areas
  • Click HERE to watch Rep. Wenstrup’s remarks.
  • Click HERE to see the entire exchange of big city Democrats’ claim that rural hospitals lack the ability to run successful residency programs.

During the markup, Congressman Wenstrup said:

“I find it insulting to say our rural areas are not capable of starting a residency program…rural areas are ready, they are overwhelmed with patients, and they are underserved with providers. We have a doctor in Portsmouth, Ohio who gave time from his practice to run as a state representative because of this problem. His practice is now 100 percent treating addiction. You cannot tell me that they are not ready to train people…” said Congressman Brad Wenstrup, DPM.

Background: On Wednesday, the Ways and Means Committee considered H.R. 3414, The Opioid Workforce Act of 2019. Representative Brad Wenstrup spoke in support of an amendment to ensure rural areas suffering most from the opioid crisis are prioritized for any additional pain management and addiction specialty residency programs.

Watch the full markup HERE. affected by the opioid crisis.